Tinubu launches NSIA Healthcare Expansion Program to train 120,000 frontline workers

President Bola Tinubu took a significant step towards improving Nigeria’s healthcare system by inaugurating a healthcare expansion program under the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) on Friday in Bauchi State.

The initiative, which aims to retrain 120,000 frontline health workers, is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance the nation’s healthcare services.

According to a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, the program is designed to boost the health and social well-being of Nigerians, stimulate economic growth, and position Nigeria as a leading healthcare hub within Africa.

The retraining of frontline health workers is expected to elevate the quality of care across the country, addressing critical gaps in healthcare delivery and ensuring that Nigerian citizens have access to better medical services. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector, recognizing its pivotal role in national development.

By investing in the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals, the NSIA program not only aims to improve individual health outcomes but also to drive economic development by creating a more robust and reliable healthcare infrastructure.

“The first initiative, the Healthcare Expansion Programme, is a major milestone in the health sector as 10 world-class healthcare facilities specialising in oncology and diagnostics will be established across the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

“This expansion builds upon the success of the NSIA’s previous projects, including the NSIA-Lagos University Teaching Hospital Cancer Centre, the NSIA-Kano Diagnostic Centre, and the NSIA-Umuahia Diagnostic Centre,” he said.

President Tinubu was represented by Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

He said the new projects would complement the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six federal teaching hospitals.

The President stated that beyond providing essential healthcare to Nigerians, these facilities would reverse the trend of outbound medical tourism.

He also said that upon completion of the first phase, the NSIA, through its subsidiary, Medserve, would operate the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa.

He said the facility had the capacity to train up to 500 clinicians over three years, in addition to enhancing clinical trial and research capabilities.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the NSIA for their vision, innovation, and dedication to making this programme a reality.

“Through inter-sectoral partnerships like these, we can achieve significant healthcare and economic outcomes.

“This programme will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure projects, propelling us towards our national healthcare goals: saving lives, reducing suffering, and ensuring health for all Nigerians,” said the President.

He said the second initiative—the launch of the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers—was a personal performance indicator for him as the African Union Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.

“We all know that health workers and other professionals are the backbone of our healthcare system.

“By equipping them with the latest skills and knowledge, we ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our population,” President Tinubu said.

Underscoring the viability of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the President affirmed that the nation’s productivity and wealth depended on the vitality of its people.

He stated that basic healthcare was a fundamental human right as well as a matter of long-term national security.

“The NHSRII has provided strategic direction for our health investments, focussing on critical areas such as maternal and child health, disease prevention, and health system strengthening.

“The partnership with state governors and development partners, being deployed as the sector-wide approach, has been crucial in advancing our health sector.

“These frameworks have fostered collaboration, alignment, and accountability, ensuring our collective efforts are harmonised towards achieving our health goals,” said Tinubu.

He said he was proud of the progress made to expand access to primary health care for all Nigerians, expand health insurance, and enhance health human resources.

“By making universal health coverage a priority at all levels, this administration aims to foster a vibrant workforce and drive greater economic and social development for the Nigerian people,” he stated.

He emphasised that his administration would continue to prioritise healthcare, enhance preventive measures, and invest in health education while fostering health equity and justice.

Sen. Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, thanked the President for his landmark investments in the health sector.

“We thank President Bola Tinubu for the giant strides he is making in the health sector.

“Even those of us in the opposition party, we are federalists and appreciate the work and collaboration with Mr President’s team here, with both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Health, to kick off this impactful project for all Nigerians,” the Governor said. (NAN)